By B. Raack, KWMU
Clayton, MO – Despite an increase in the number of murders in 2002, new figures show that crime in St. Louis County is at its lowest rate in 29 years.
There were 15 homicides in the county last year, compared to 8 in 2001. But the number of cases of rapes, robbery, aggravated assault, arson, burglary, car theft and larceny all decreased in 2002.
Overall, St. Louis County's crime rate dropped six percent from '01 to '02, and more than 16-percent over the past five years.